Columbus vs Fort Wayne: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Columbus, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,910 | $57,755▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.88 | $27.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,535 | $40,440▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,332 | $49,760▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,564 | $76,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,660▲ | $84,008 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fort Wayne is $1,845 (3.30%). Fort Wayne's median is -6.81% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $54,125,Fort Wayne spans $43,568. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($62,389 effective) pays 1.88% more than Columbus ($61,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,660)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,755/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,389)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Columbus grew 33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$39,583 (2024) → $52,730 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$42,750 (2019) → $54,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Columbus or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Fort Wayne as a massage therapist?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov